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Updated: Mar 6, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
[Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium in the acute phase of relapses in multiple sclerosis]
Aim:
To describe the factors that are associated with gadolinium enhancement on MRI in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and symptoms of relapse.
Patients And Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional study of patients over 18 years diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, secondary progressive and primary progressive from 2009 to 2014, who had a clinical relapse and underwent brain and spinal resonance with gadolinium during the acute phase of the symptoms.
Results:
Of the 93 patients enrolled, 70% were women, the average age was 37 ± 9.6 years. 90% had relapsing-remitting MS and 50% had at least 5 years since the diagnosis. The 56% had medullar involvement, being the most frequent sensory disturbances (44%). The median duration of symptoms was 6 days (range: 1-89 days). The 93% required treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone 3-5 days, which was administered after performing MRI studies. No evidence statistical difference in the presence of lesions that gadolinium enhancement on MRI during relapse with any of the clinical variables analyzed and only a tendency was observed with associated symptoms (p = 0.07).
Conclusions:
The definition of relapse MS is clinic. However, the enhancement of the MRI in the phase of relapse could be useful to confirm the disease's activity. With this information, could be a useful point on the treatment of these patients with immunomodulatory drugs.
Insights
Gadolinium enhancement on MRI during multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses showed no statistical difference with clinical variables, but may help confirm disease activity and guide treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Relapses in MS are characterized by new or worsening neurological symptoms.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with gadolinium contrast is often used to assess MS activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with gadolinium enhancement on MRI in patients experiencing a multiple sclerosis relapse.
- To explore the utility of MRI enhancement in confirming MS disease activity during relapse.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional study of 93 patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, or primary progressive MS.
- Inclusion criteria: age over 18, clinical relapse, and MRI with gadolinium during symptom onset (2009-2014).
- Analysis of clinical variables and their association with gadolinium-enhancing lesions.
Main Results:
- The study included 93 patients (70% women, average age 37 ± 9.6).
- 90% had relapsing-remitting MS; 56% had medullar involvement.
- No statistically significant difference was found between gadolinium enhancement and analyzed clinical variables, though a trend was observed with associated symptoms (p=0.07).
Conclusions:
- While MS relapse is clinically defined, MRI gadolinium enhancement can aid in confirming active disease.
- This information may be valuable for guiding immunomodulatory treatment decisions in MS patients.
- Further research could explore specific clinical predictors of MRI enhancement in MS relapses.
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